Slow to start, but gathering pace before the end, this is a coming-of-age drama with a few twists. It also stars Colista Flockhart in a role just before she became Ally McBeal.The story is based in part on Joe Eszterhas' autobiography, "Hollywood Animal" – the book is funny and insightful. I always remembered his description in the novel of arriving in America from Europe just after WW2 on an overcrowded ship. He was six years old, but the close proximity to hundreds of women ignited his fascination with them even at that early age.His way with words and imagination produced screenplays for some intriguing movies – "Flashdance", "Music Box" and "Betrayed". But later on his films went off – maybe it was the directors or too much interference from the front office, but does anyone rate "Showgirls", "Sliver" or "Jade" as great movies? "Telling Lies in America" although late in his oeuvre, is more of a return to form, but doesn't pack the punch of his best work.Set in the 1950's, Karchy Jonas (Brad Renfro) is a young Hungarian refugee with a lot happening in his life. He is not doing well at the Catholic school that his father has struggled to pay for, and feels an outsider. He has fallen for a girl, Diney Majeski (Colista Flockhart), where he works part-time, but almost ruins any chance with her through bad decisions.When he gets a job working for radio disc jockey, Billy Magic (Kevin Bacon), he not only falls under the influence of the edgy DJ, but also gets caught up in illegal dealings. All the while, his relationship with his father, Istvan, is a troubled one.If the movie has a problem it's that most of the characters are not all that appealing with the exception of Diney. Even Eszterhas' alter ego, Karchy, comes across as a bit whiny and somewhat of an opportunist, while Billy Magic gives Kevin Bacon the opportunity to deliver a deeply-flawed character in a succession of neon-coloured jackets. Karchy's father, Istvan (Maximillian Schell), is a depressive character buried under a thick accent.On another level, if you have read Esterhas' book it's fascinating to join the dots and discover where certain aspects of the story have come from. Some of Eszterhas' relationship with his father is explored here; the other half possibly comes to light in the brilliant "Music Box", although he claims revelations about his father's wartime experiences came to light after he had done the screenplay.There is no mention of that in "Telling Lies in America", and the final reconciliation between Karchy and his father may even be the ending the author wished he'd had in real life.Although "Telling Lies in America" recreates the era well, and has its moments, It isn't a film I feel like rushing back to.

Why this little gem didn't get major studio distribution is a real mystery. One terrific performance (Kevin Bacon)four very good ones (Maxmillian Schell, Calista Flockhart, Paul Dooley)and a solid, if not totally convincing one from Brad Renfro (where's the TRACE of an accent?) coupled with a right on script by Joe Eszterhas (rarely has the era been so well captured) makes for a surprisingly entertaining and accessible movie. No where does the movie cop out. The ending is convincing and slightly bittersweet. The dilemmas faced by the underpaid, exploited disc jockeys (in fact, most members of the musical profession) of the era is thoroughly examined. This is a great movie. Can you believe I got it as a bonus with my DVD MPEG Decoder card?Hey, see it for the CARS if nothing else?

Yes, I live in Northeast Ohio, but that's not the only reason I truly enjoyed this movie. The daughter of an acquaintance, 'Giggly Girl' Angelique Osborne, had a tiny part and I originally watched to see her. Now every time Bravo plays this movie on IFC Fridays, the phone comes off the hook, the popcorn is popped and I get good and comfy. The sentiment portrayed here, although it's roughly 15 years before my time, pulls me right in. The struggles of wanting to feel important (or at least to fit in), where to draw the lines of loyalty and figuring out what makes any of us happy are timeless. It never occurs to me that I'm watching Kevin Bacon or Brad Renfro. They become their characters. (Kevin Bacon proves he has a range most people don't realize and Brad Renfro, although beautiful to look at, also has that un-namable quality that makes you feel you're watching a future legend. Let's pray he finds his way safely.) Just as you never think about the set or the camera during a genuinely good movie, all the components of Telling Lies in America flow beautifully.After reading some of the other reviews here, it seems some people can't be entertained with a good story and good acting. Some movies don't have to resort to the typical Hollywood recipe in order to leave a positive imprint in your mind. Too bad you have such a short attention span.

I definitely agree with those who think this is one of the best films of 1997. Great for Kevin Bacon fans. He is excellent as an AM rock DJ with a questionable past. I cannot believe Brad Renfro is only 16! He is already a skilled actor. Captures the late fifties very well. Those who remember the songs will love the soundtrack. A great collection of classic rock hits. Catholic school grads will also identify with Renfro's character and his predicament. The addition of Maximillian Schell is an added bonus. This is especially recommended for people who like good stories set in accurately depicted historical settings. I can't help but wonder if it is partly autobiographical for author Joe Esterhasz, who certainly redeems himself with this script.